Here\’s my take on a simple and quick guide to understanding pickleball rules. Whether you\’re new to the sport or just want to brush up on your knowledge, this guide is designed to help you grasp the essentials in a straightforward and easy manner.
Understanding Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules somewhat similar to tennis, with several modifications. Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s as a children\’s backyard pastime but has become one of America\’s most popular growing sports among all ages.
Basic Rules of Pickleball
While the game might seem complicated at first, the rules are actually quite simple. Here are the basic rules you need to know:
The Serve
The server must serve from behind the baseline on one side of the court and aim diagonally to the opponent\’s service court. The serve must be underhand and the paddle must pass below the waist. The server must hit the ball in the air (no bouncing) and the ball must land in the diagonal service box.
The Double-Bounce Rule
When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, thus two bounces. After the ball has bounced once in each team\’s court, both teams can either volley the ball in the air or let it bounce.
Non-Volley Zone
The non-volley zone is the court area within 7 feet on both sides of the net. Volleying is prohibited within this zone. This rule prevents players from executing smashes from a position within the zone. It\’s a fault if the player volleys the ball and their feet are in this zone, or if the momentum from a volley follow-through causes them to step into the zone.
Scoring in Pickleball
In pickleball, only the serving team can score points. Matches are usually played to 11, 15 or 21 points, with the requirement that the winning team must win by at least two points. The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until the server\’s team commits a fault.
Faults in Pickleball
Faults in pickleball include failing to hit the serve into the correct service court, volleying before the double-bounce rule has been satisfied, volleying while standing in the non-volley zone, hitting the ball out of bounds, or hitting the ball into the net. The server loses their serve when a fault is committed.
My Thoughts
While the rules of pickleball might seem numerous and complex at first, they quickly become second nature with practice. The key is to get out there and start playing! Don\’t be afraid to make mistakes and ask questions. Remember, the point of playing any sport is to have fun, so don\’t get too caught up in the rules. Enjoy the game!